We’ve heard the news, seen the harrowing photos, and gripped our chairs waiting to see how the tragic aftermath left by the disastrous earthquake in Japan will unfold. The magnitude 9.0 earthquake that struck the northeastern region of mainland Japan and unleashed a 23-foot tsunami on March 11th, 2011 is said to have be the fourth strongest earthquake in history.
While the damage has been epic, due to unprecedented nuclear reactor collapse, many news stories are showing that the years of ingrained earthquake preparedness have helped many of our Japanese friends survive. We are no strangers to earthquakes in California. From early age, we are taught to drop under our desk and protect the back of our necks with our interlocked hands. However, the proximity both in time and location of the most recent earthquakes along the Ring of Fire remind us Californian’s that we can never be too prepared. These earthquake tips can help with organization and planning.
Also, according to the California Department of Conservation the most important measures to prepare before an earthquake in California are:
1. Prepare your mind: Electricity, water, gas and telephones may not be working after an earthquake in California. The police and fire departments are likely to be tied up. You should be prepared to fend for yourself for at least three days, preferably for a week.
2. What to store: Food and water (a gallon a day per person); a first aid kit; a fire extinguisher suitable for all types of fires; flashlights; a portable radio; extra batteries, blankets, clothes, shoes and money (ATMs may not work); medication; an adjustable or pipe wrench to turn off gas or water, if necessary; baby and pet food; and an alternate cooking source (barbecue or camp stove).
3. What to Plan: Talk with your family about how and where you will reunite if separated during an earthquake in California. Choose a friend or relative that family members can call to check with outside of area.
4. Organize your home: Secure water heaters, major appliances and tall, heavy furniture to prevent them from toppling are prudent steps. Teach your family members how to turn off main gas switch in case you are unable.
While we must take the necessary steps to prepare for an earthquake in California, our thoughts and prayers go out to our friends in Japan affected by the earthquake. Here at the NorthStar Moving® we have a special friendship with Japanese moving industry leader Kanji Arima and his moving industry delegates, who paid a visit to the NorthStar Moving® headquarters last year. Their visit to NorthStar Moving® was memorable and educational. We greatly appreciate receiving the updates on the situation in Japan and Kanji’s experience through Kanji Arima’s Facebook page. We keep our dear Japanese friends in our minds and in our hearts, and hope that they can weather the difficulties they are facing. While we encourage you to prepare for a potential earthquake in California, we also ask that you help the Japanese earthquake victims by supporting organizations on the forefront of relief efforts in Japan such as Doctors Without Borders, Habitat for Humanity and Red Cross.